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Let’s talk Airbnb house design, what works, what doesn’t, and how to make yours stand out.

The right Airbnb house design can make all the difference in bookings and reviews. In this post, we’re diving into how to design your space with intention, using smart layout ideas, guest focused details, and Airbnb friendly styles that are easy to pull off and are both beautiful and functional.

This post is all about Airbnb house design.

The First Thing You Need to Do When Designing an Airbnb?

1. Know Who You're Designing For...

Identify Your Target Guest, This Will Make or Break Your Airbnb Design

Let’s be real, Airbnb styles that work for a couple on a weekend getaway probably won’t work for a family with toddlers or a group of friends on a birthday trip. That’s why the first and maybe most important part of the Airbnb house design process is figuring out who your place is actually for. Here's how I break it down based on the most common types of guests.

Families with Kids

These guests usually cook, stay longer, and need space. So think, a stocked kitchen, kid friendly dinnerware, maybe a high chair or pack n play, and some family games. Don’t forget safety touches like outlet covers or baby gates for stairs if needed. Bonus points if you’ve got a yard or nearby playground.

Recommended baby gear for Airbnb hosts:

Modern style High Chair - foldable & easy to clean
Pack 'n Play Portable Playard with Bassinet
Adjustable Baby Gate - no drill and renter friendly!

Travelers with Pets

Pet-friendly listings are in high demand and I totally get it. I travel with my cat bestie, and if a place allows pets, it immediately goes to the top of my list. Make life easier for these guests by adding pet bowls, a cozy washable rug, and scratch resistant furniture that won’t stress you out between stays.

Pet-friendly Airbnb must-haves:

Pet Bowls – Sleek, simple, and neutral enough to match most Airbnb interiors.
Pet Friendly Rug – great for pets & high traffic areas

Business Travelers

These guests want simplicity, comfort, and function. A clean desk setup, good lighting, fast Wi-Fi, and maybe a little coffee station go a long way. If you’ve got the space, a small gym area or yoga mat setup can make your place stand out big time for those on the go but health conscious guests.

Pro tip: Business guests love a good coffee setup. If you're designing with them in mind, don’t skip the caffeine corner. Check out my post on Cozy Airbnb Coffee Station Must Haves for a Perfect Stay to see what to include and how to make it stylish without overthinking it.

For Couples

Couples are honestly the easiest guests. They’re usually tidy, chill, and down to enjoy a cozy space. Think hotel level vibes with just a touch more personality. Soft bedding, plush towels, good lighting, and maybe a cute little welcome basket or romantic touch.

Little luxuries for couples:

Unisex Hotel Style Robes – These instantly give off that spa-vacation energy.
Mini Toiletries Set for Airbnb

Solo Travelers

Solo travelers often care about price and practicality. That doesn’t mean you can’t wow them. A compact but well designed space with everything they need will do the trick. Make sure your listing highlights both comfort and value.

Want to keep your solo guests happy and stress free?

Check out my post on The Ultimate Guide to Airbnb Messages to Host: Pre-Booking, Welcome & Checkout Templates That Get 5-Star Reviews. It has everything you need to streamline communication and help your guests feel confident from booking to checkout.

Group Trips

Groups need space, seating, and enough beds to avoid drama. Think smart bunk layouts, large dining tables, and enough room to spread out. If you’re marketing to groups, make sure you’re in a location that allows gatherings without constant neighbor issues.

Group friendly Airbnb furniture picks:

Expandable Dining Table
Set of 4 Stackable Dining Chairs – Durable and great if you want backup seating that doesn't take up space.

2. Always Design Your Airbnb With the Location in Mind

Another major part of your Airbnb house design is location, location, location. I don’t just mean when buying the property, I mean when planning the Airbnb design process from start to finish. Your Airbnb interiors should reflect the vibe and needs of where your space is actually located.

Think about it, if your property is in a major city, like NYC (although we all know hosting there is a bit of a rollercoaster right now), you wouldn’t lean into a full on beach house theme. That might work in Miami or Charleston, but not in a walk up apartment near Central Park. The Airbnb style has to match the energy and expectations of the destination.

For example, if your Airbnb is near the beach in South Carolina, go ahead and lean into those laid back, coastal Airbnb interiors. Light wood, rattan textures, breezy curtains, and soft color palettes can really make your guests feel like they’re on vacation. Bonus points if you throw in a surfboard, beach towels, or even an outdoor shower setup.

Now, smaller apartments, Airbnb styles that are modern, clean, and minimal tend to do best. Your guests want function over fluff, especially business travelers or solo adventurers.

Speaking Of A Small Space...

Personally? I love a small space. They’re easier to clean, quicker to reset between bookings, and can still bring in amazing profit if your Airbnb design process is intentional.

When you’re working with a smaller layout, your Airbnb interiors have to be smart. Every square inch needs a purpose and ideally, more than one.

For example, if your property is targeting business travelers, and you have to choose between squeezing in a dining table or a desk... go with the desk. That’s what they’ll value more, especially if they’re working remotely.

Multifunctional furniture is key for compact listings. Think wall-mounted desks, or sleeper sofas that don’t sacrifice aesthetics.

Bottom line, small Airbnbs can still have big impact with the right design strategy. You just need to understand your guest, your layout, and your location, and that’s how you win at Airbnb house design no matter the square footage.

Before You Dive Into the Design Process, Let’s Talk Airbnb Themes

Now this is the fun part! Before we get deep into the Airbnb design process, let’s talk about something that can really set your listing apart, themes!

Short-term rentals are more popular than ever, and the truth is, they’re evolving. People aren’t just booking places to stay anymore; they’re booking experiences. Even Airbnb knows this. Have you seen that Barbie Dreamhouse listing?? Or the castles, campers, and Harry Potter themed lofts? These types of Airbnb styles are all over the platform and guests are obsessed.

Here’s the thing: themed Airbnb interiors don’t have to be over the top or super expensive. You can totally create your own unique vibe with the right decor and vision. And the payoff? Huge. Themed rentals often book faster, get more shares on social media, and make guests feel like their stay is extra special.

Let’s say you’re hosting in Florida - Disney themes are a no brainer, especially for families with kids. But don’t stop there. Consider other adventure based or fandom styles like:

Harry Potter (great for cozy setups and magic lovers)

Star Wars (modern, bold, and super unique)

Barbie (think pink, glam, and very Instagrammable)

Sports Themed Airbnb (perfect for city apartments near stadiums)

Gaming Airbnb (fun for group stays and game nights)

Beach vibes (ideal for coastal Airbnbs or even desert homes with pools)

And of course, one of the best themes in Airbnb house design? A photo friendly space. Guests love a pretty place where they can snap pics and feel like they’re somewhere special.

So before you pick up a paintbrush or head to HomeGoods, think about whether a theme could help your Airbnb stand out. It’s one of the easiest ways to add personality and get people excited to book, especially in competitive markets.

And Now, Let’s get to these Airbnb house design inspirations

Okay, drumroll please! This is the part we’ve all been waiting for. Real Airbnb house design inspo that shows how you can take everything we talked about and actually bring it to life. I pulled together six design moments that I love and yes, you can totally steal these ideas.

1. The Adorable Yet Functional Living Room Setup

Check out this beautiful property that used high quality furniture and kept it super guest-friendly. Everything looks durable, which matters way more than you think in Airbnb interiors. You want pieces that can handle back to back guests without falling apart.

Product Picks:

Modern Couch – chic, cozy, and comes in guest proof colors
Coffee Table

2. Color Done Right

Now look at this colorful Airbnb. So pretty, right? Here’s my rule, no white except for bedding. It might be tempting to go all cream and ivory for that clean Instagram look, but let me tell you... I made that mistake. I once bought $300 cream barstools. Third guest in? Mysterious ink stain. Never again.

White looks great in your home, but in Airbnb design, it’s just asking for headaches. Stick with rich colors, mixed textures, and darker tones for chairs, rugs, and upholstery.

3. This Workspace Setup That’s Giving Cozy Office Goals

Now this one? I love. It’s the perfect little work nook that’s giving warm, cozy, I could totally answer emails here vibes. And with so many guests working remotely these days, having a setup like this can seriously help your place stand out in search. It doesn’t have to be a whole office, just make it inviting, functional, and not boring.

4. The Power of Lighting and Why It’s Not Just About Looks

This next one has two parts, but what stood out to me was the lighting. You really want to think about lighting based on your guest type.

For couples or younger groups, dim, cozy lighting is key. It makes the space feel romantic and relaxing. For families, go with bright lighting that keeps everything clear and cheerful.

Here’s why: brighter rooms highlight imperfections. That’s not a bad thing, but if you have white walls and a toddler smudges something, you’ll be wishing for some mood lighting. Dimmer switches and colored lightbulbs are easy ways to keep control.

5. Plants That Don’t Ask for Watering

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen fake plant setups that look better than the real thing. Unless your Airbnb is themed and you’re okay asking guests to water your jungle, just go faux. Real plants are beautiful, but the maintenance? Not worth it. You want something that gives you that lush look without the drama.

My Go-To Picks:

Set of 3 Faux Plants in Modern Pots – neutral, aesthetic, and perfect for bookshelves
Large Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree – makes a statement in a living room or bedroom

6. A Outdoor Space That’s Not Overdone

And finally... this outdoor setup. Clean, chill, and totally inviting without being over the top. For those of you with larger properties or yards, this is your chance to create a little oasis. Guests love outdoor seating areas, especially when they feel intentional. Add a string of lights, comfy chairs, and maybe even a fire pit if it fits your budget.

Should You Hire a Professional Interior Designer?

This is a question I know a lot of new hosts ask, and here’s my take: nope, not always necessary. Unless you're working with a high-end luxury property or planning to go super long term with branding and photoshoots, you can absolutely design your own Airbnb without hiring a professional. I’ve done it myself plenty of times using inspiration I find on Pinterest and my own mood boards.

BTW: check out my Mood Boards if you want to steal some of my favorite Airbnb interiors and vibe ideas.

Now if you’re not confident with Airbnb house design and you have the budget to outsource, sure, a designer can help. But I’m all about saving that money when possible. Especially because many designers still ask you to pull photos, give direction, and source items, which you’re already doing yourself. Same goes for property managers. Unless your time is super limited, managing your own Airbnb will almost always keep more money in your pocket.

Outdesign the Competition, Even on a Budget

One of my favorite Airbnb design process tips is to check your competition. I know, I know, it can feel a little overwhelming to scroll through all the amazing listings in your area, but it’s actually one of the smartest things you can do.

Don’t just look at what other hosts are doing, look for what they’re not doing. That’s your opportunity. Maybe their listing is gorgeous, but it doesn’t have a workspace. Or it’s family-friendly but missing a crib. That’s where you step in and say, "I got this." You don’t need to completely reinvent the wheel, you just need to do one or two things better than the next person.

Final Thoughts on Airbnb House Design

Designing your short-term rental can be super fun, but it’s also about understanding your location, your space, your guests, and the vibe you want to create. From choosing smart Airbnb styles to curating Instagram-worthy Airbnb interiors, every little detail matters.

If you’re DIYing the whole Airbnb design process or hiring help, just remember, the best design is the one that makes your guests feel like they made the right choice.

Hopefully, this gave you a full breakdown of how to approach your Airbnb house design with confidence, strategy, and style. Now go turn that vision into a five-star stay.

This post is all about Airbnb house design.

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